Digitalising urban drainage systems: barriers and implications for Vietnam.

Abstract

Urban flooding is an increasing challenge for cities due to rapid urbanisation, climate change, and the growing complexity of urban infrastructure systems. Digital technologies such as Internet of Things monitoring networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital twins, and geographic information systems have been proposed to enhance the monitoring and management of Urban Drainage Systems (UDS). However, large-scale implementation of digitalised drainage infrastructure remains constrained by multiple socio-technical barriers. This study conducts a structured literature review to identify key barriers to the digitalisation of urban drainage systems and to examine their implications for digital infrastructure governance in Vietnam. Using the Scopus database, a multi-stage screening process identified 71 peer-reviewed publications addressing digital technologies in drainage infrastructure. The studies were analysed using thematic synthesis to identify recurring implementation challenges and develop a structured framework of barriers to UDS digitalisation. The analysis reveals four major barrier categories. Data-related barriers include incomplete infrastructure records, legacy datasets, fragmented data management, and unreliable sensor data. Technological barriers involve integration with legacy infrastructure, high computational requirements, limited model scalability, and low interpretability of AI systems. Institutional barriers relate to shortages of interdisciplinary expertise, fragmented governance structures, and risk-averse organisational cultures, while financial barriers include high capital investment, ongoing operational costs, and uncertain economic returns. The findings highlight several implications for Vietnam, including strengthening infrastructure data governance, adopting phased technology deployment strategies, improving coordination among urban infrastructure agencies, and developing sustainable financing mechanisms for digital infrastructure investment.